Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.  Seneca

Friday, April 25, 2008

Help Out on World Malaria Day

It’s hot and sticky (and possibly tornadic) in the Upper Midwest today. But in hotter and stickier parts of the world, malaria is a serious problem. Freedom from Hunger notes that April 25th is World Malaria Day. They invite you to support their initiatives, either with a monetary contribution or by signing a petition, to support their targeted education campaigns (including story theater-based education programs on proper use of anti-malarial drugs for children, for moms in countries with high illiteracy rates) and distribution of insecticide-treated malarial nets.

A site called My Bednet.com is trying to get everyone in the West (seriously, everyone) to contribute just one bednet. They’re only 5 blucks — see the package the little boy is holding in the photo — with all money going straight to the purchase. (Investigate this on your own, of course.)

This is such a great thing to do. My husband has done this a few times and knowing that just buying a net can save a life somewhere - it seems selfish not to spend the $5. After all - it's just one fancy Starbuck's coffee you're missing. Make your own and donate the money instead. Like the blog entry says - if everyone did this, it would make a differenc in millions of lives and save so many children.

USAFAM: Thank you! And congrats on your work providing homes for pets whose humans have been deployed overseas. It sounds like a wonderful program.

RJ: You've given me an idea for a new blog theme: "Instead of a Latte . . . " Five bucks really is a small amount for most people, at least in the U.S. I'm always on the lookout for ways to make a difference even while on a budget -- you know what, we should organize an "Instead of a Latte" theme day and convince a bunch of people to post on the subject. Bloggers Unite is coming up in mid-May. Maybe something in June?